Bobby thomas and liam Kitching (7 Viewers)

[shmmeee]

I disagree that Eccles is better, and I wouldn’t say square peg given Lati plays there internationally.

The main reason however is because neither Eccles nor Sheaf (who I would argue is more of an out and out midfielder rather than a pure CDM) can drop into centre half if and when needed, so the it gives the formation more flexibility when in and out of possession.

It should also allow our other midfielders to be a bit less focused on defending and therefore create more for the more attack minded players

Sheaf has played CB before and IIRC did OK, but memory is hazy

 

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[fernandopartridge]

I disagree that Eccles is better, and I wouldn’t say square peg given Lati plays there internationally.

The main reason however is because neither Eccles nor Sheaf (who I would argue is more of an out and out midfielder rather than a pure CDM) can drop into centre half if and when needed, so the it gives the formation more flexibility when in and out of possession.

It should also allow our other midfielders to be a bit less focused on defending and therefore create more for the more attack minded players

Sheaf can't drop into centre half, ignoring that he did exactly that last season when we had an injury mid game.

 

[2024/25 League 1 Champs?]

yeah Sheaf did ok when he dropped in at CB, and to be fair used to play there for Arsenal but he’s far more effective as a box to box midfielder in my opinion - what I maybe should’ve said is that playing Lati there leaves our more effective midfielders to do their jobs without worrying about dropping back

from what I’ve seen so far this season Sheaf has the ability to play a Hamer-esque pass and has been our best and most consistent midfielder, so with a bit of pressure taken off him with a defensive midfielder in there too who knows how much better he’ll get

 

[stupot07]

Sheaf has played CB before and IIRC did OK, but memory is hazy

For about 30 minutes, once. When we were chasing the game

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[Marty]

Sheaf has played CB before and IIRC did OK, but memory is hazy

He did at QPR a few years ago and was awful.

 

[JamesCCFC]

He did at QPR a few years ago and was awful.

Yeah Shmmeee don’t attend away games

 

[SBAndy]

I disagree that Eccles is better, and I wouldn’t say square peg given Lati plays there internationally.

The main reason however is because neither Eccles nor Sheaf (who I would argue is more of an out and out midfielder rather than a pure CDM) can drop into centre half if and when needed, so the it gives the formation more flexibility when in and out of possession.

It should also allow our other midfielders to be a bit less focused on defending and therefore create more for the more attack minded players

Diamond, which is essentially what you’re suggesting, could be interesting. Pivots to a back 3 when required. My preference would still be to play 2 AMs and 1 striker, but don’t know if I’ve ever seen a system like that in action. A 41221 without wingers.

 

[shmmeee]

Diamond, which is essentially what you’re suggesting, could be interesting. Pivots to a back 3 when required. My preference would still be to play 2 AMs and 1 striker, but don’t know if I’ve ever seen a system like that in action. A 41221 without wingers.

Less a diamond and more a sort of upsidedown house?

 

[steve cooper]

Diamond, which is essentially what you’re suggesting, could be interesting. Pivots to a back 3 when required. My preference would still be to play 2 AMs and 1 striker, but don’t know if I’ve ever seen a system like that in action. A 41221 without wingers.

Which is very similar to how England lined up in the 1966 world cup final IIRC, except they played the system with 2 strikers, and a back 4.
With Stiles DM, Charlton AM, and Peters & Ball between them.

 

[2024/25 League 1 Champs?]

Diamond, which is essentially what you’re suggesting, could be interesting. Pivots to a back 3 when required. My preference would still be to play 2 AMs and 1 striker, but don’t know if I’ve ever seen a system like that in action. A 41221 without wingers.

Diamond if you’re playing two up top, otherwise it’s two central or attacking midfielders depending on how you play it

need at least one other decent midfielder either way, and maybe one more proven up top

 

[SlowerThanPlatt]

and I wouldn’t say square peg given Lati plays there internationally.

For Jamaica where the vast majority of teams they play are not Championship standard, some barely league standard.

 

[Matt smith]

We’ve spent 4.5 million on a right back

agree re Thomas and Kitching, but surely Milan has to play

and I think Joel is our best signing for what it’s worth

 

[wingy]

We’ve spent 4.5 million on a right back

agree re Thomas and Kitching, but surely Milan has to play

and I think Joel is our best signing for what it’s worth

Is that in euros?

 

[Cally Fedora]

Back four surely has to be Van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching and Bidwell if it’s a four. Yes that leaves good players on the bench. That’s the squad depth we need.

 

[San Francisco]

Back four surely has to be Van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching and Bidwell if it’s a four. Yes that leaves good players on the bench. That’s the squad depth we need.

You’d think so but apparently MvE doesn’t know how to play RB according to some.

 

[hamil99]

You’d think so but apparently MvE doesn’t know how to play RB according to some.

MvE needs to start playing better when he's on the pitch before there's any discussion of where he could play. Honestly the guy just needs to let loose, knock the ball upfield and ghost past people, instead of continuous sideways or backward passes. He's got the talent!

 

[Skybluedownunder]

Back four surely has to be Van Ewijk, Thomas, Kitching and Bidwell if it’s a four. Yes that leaves good players on the bench. That’s the squad depth we need.

I’d personally have Lati over Thomas


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[Hincha]

MvE played full back for sc Heerenveen last season. There is no doubt he can play there.

The reason he didn't against Stoke is because MR wanted solidity in the back 4 after conceding so many recently & his poor form.

He also shoudn't get his spot back because he cost 3.5m and Lati was free. Needs to prove his worth and learn to effect games more.

 

[Calista]

41221 without wingers.

Not narrow enough for me.
I'd go 1111111111.

 

[Sky_Blue_Dreamer]

Not narrow enough for me.
I'd go 1111111111.

The famous 'Brazilian'

 

[Cov kid 55]

Where does Binks fit into this? Think he’s played really well, better than Thomas imo.

 

[skybluecam]

Where does Binks fit into this? Think he’s played really well, better than Thomas imo.

They're not really competing for the same spot in a 4 back if MR wants his CBs playing on their strong side.

Don't see him getting much game time for the foreseeable, unlucky as he was playing well.

 

[Cally Fedora]

Where does Binks fit into this? Think he’s played really well, better than Thomas imo.

I think Binks looks a bit more polished but a bit less effective defensively. Nice problem to have.

 

[stupot07]

Where does Binks fit into this? Think he’s played really well, better than Thomas imo.

Problem is he's left footed, so Robins sees it as kitchen Vs Binks and Thomas Vs Lati.

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[wingy]

Bizzare really considering lati played on left quite successfully early doors?

 

[Evo1883]

Very pleasing performance again

 

[Terry_dactyl]

Very pleasing performance again

Kitching especially. I thought he looked really assured.
I think we’re going to be alright you know.

 

[PVA]

Both looked very solid again.

Kitching's passes through the lines are excellent, can see why Robins chased him so hard.

 

[Chris1987]

Kitching is showing why Robins was so keen to sign him. He adds a lot to the defence. Helps that he has Bidwell at LB but the defence looks like they all know their role . Collins adds confidence with the centre backs knowing that he's going to come for crosses

 

[fernandopartridge]

Both looked very solid again.

Kitching's passes through the lines are excellent, can see why Robins chased him so hard.

Agreed, got a lovely weight on them as well.

 

[shmmeee]

Really impressed with Kitching’s passing from the back. Saw the stuff I liked about Rose in L1, proper thoughtful penetrating passes not just short or lump it.

 

[covcity4life]

Terrible recruitment....

 

[napolimp]

So are we happy with Kitching, or do we think he's dogshit? I'm struggling to keep up with the latest trends, and want to know whether I can put the pitchfork away.

 

[Gynnsthetonic]

So are we happy with Kitching, or do we think he's dogshit? I'm struggling to keep up with the latest trends, and want to know whether I can put the pitchfork away.

I still think Binks is the better prospect

 

[JulianDarbyFTW]

I thought Kitching was MotM by far tonight, but reflecting on it, Bobby Thomas was very, very good too. Thomas had his wobbles early on and I wondered if this level was slightly above his ability given that he'd never played above L1 before, but he's maturing every game. We seem to have a knack of finding defenders who need fine-tuning, and then getting them purring, and I'm starting to think Big Bob might turn out to be a very astute signing.